UNAIDS Country Coordinator visits Uttar Pradesh AIDS Programme sites

Dr. Charles Gilks, UNAIDS India Country Coordinator, travelled to Uttar Pradesh on a two day visit from May 27 to 28, 2009.  Dr. Gilks had a set of highly interactive discussion sessions with Uttar Pradesh Government officials — including Health Secretary, Dr. Lalit Verma; Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (SACS) Project Director, Mr. S. P. Goyal; officials of UP State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS) and its Technical Support Unit. He also held meetings with representatives of UN agencies, civil society, and the network for positive people. In order to better understand the ground situation, he also visited the Antiretroviral Therapy Centre of CSM Medical University, Lucknow; the Bharosa Trust; Naz Foundation International and Naz Foundation India Trust; and the Community Health Centre at Chinhat and the Sharnam Sansthan.

Dr. Gilks confirmed that UNAIDS would continue to provide technical support to UPSACS in implementing the HIV and AIDS programme in the state. He made similar pledge to civil society organisations and the network for positive persons, reiterating that UNAIDS remains committed to preventing HIV, halting and reversing the epidemic. Speaking to civil society representatives, Dr. Gilks emphasised continued UNAIDS’ support for the community and most-at-risk populations in order to reduce stigma and discrimination and to create a supportive environment. He said UNAIDS would aim to identify ways for the National AIDS programme to effectively reach out to vulnerable sections and work towards realising the goal of Universal Access for prevention, treatment, care and support. Dr. Gilks said that enhancing targeted interventions programmes through engagement with civil society is a priority. The greater participation of civil society and positive networks would be crucial for this.